Fredclarkeara After Dark 'SVO Black Pearl' early stage care - Orchid Board

Manu · #1 03-19-2016, 11:37 PM

Hello Everyone!

Just came back from the Montreal orchid expo and have a question about one of my new babies....

Fredclarkeara After Dark 'SVO Black Pearl'

This one is actually really small and a real baby hehe view attached picture... don't know much about this plant and have never had a plant that was so young... any help is appreciated

As far as potting, water, fertilizing, etc what should I be doing???

Thanks in advance!
Manu

estación seca · #2 03-19-2016, 11:41 PM

Normally adult plants have a very long, dry winter rest. Often baby plants are kept warm, moist and growing year-round for a couple of years, until they get bigger. This appears to be the case with yours.

Lots of heat, lots of light, lots of water, lots of fertilizer, and watch out for spider mites.

For adult care:

Sunset Valley Orchids - Catasetinae Care

Manu · #3 03-19-2016, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by estación seca

Normally adult plants have a very long, dry winter rest. Often baby plants are kept warm, moist and growing year-round for a couple of years, until they get bigger. This appears to be the case with yours.

Lots of heat, lots of light, lots of water, lots of fertilizer, and watch out for spider mites.

For adult care:

Sunset Valley Orchids - Catasetinae Care

OK that's great thanks... I did see the adult care sheets... however was confused about the keep dry part... didn't make sense for a small plant with not many reserves! What about light? Is direct morning sun tolerated or recommended or indirect is better? Is a night time temperature drop good as well?

estación seca · #4 03-19-2016, 11:50 PM

In habitat they grow exposed to full tropical summer sun. I've seen photos of them atop telephone poles, palm trees and even growing in cracks in concrete walls.

It's quite humid during the summer there, and it rains almost every day. Seedlings will probably be growing under something else so they won't get as much sun as an adult plant. I give my seedlings as much sun as I can. I never came close to burning the leaves. This means several hours of direct morning summer sun in Phoenix, Arizona, when temperatures were already over 36C. (Not through a window.)

I had to soak them every day to keep them wet. I have read of people standing the pots in dishes of water. I will try that this year. The only trouble I've had during the growing season is spider mite attack.

Manu · #5 03-19-2016, 11:53 PM

Awesome thanks! Direct sunlight it will be then

estación seca · #6 03-19-2016, 11:56 PM

Remember to acclimate your plant to direct sun slowly. It might have been grown in a shady greenhouse, or it might have been packed in a dark box for some time. I'm going out on a limb and guessing direct sun in Canada isn't that hot in March.

Manu · #7 03-20-2016, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by estación seca

Remember to acclimate your plant to direct sun slowly. It might have been grown in a shady greenhouse, or it might have been packed in a dark box for some time. I'm going out on a limb and guessing direct sun in Canada isn't that hot in March.

Actually, sun in March is starting to be hot, but my windows are gaz filled thermos windows with a faint tint so it helps a lot. My Phals can stay in my windowsills almost year long.. I will go gradually do avoid any damage!

Thanks for all your help!

Last question, should I leave it in its clear plastic pot with one large drainage hole at the bottom with its Moss, or should I repot in another container with different media? Do I need to let it almost dry befores watering or at that size it needs constant humidity?

katrina · #8 03-20-2016, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manu

Last question, should I leave it in its clear plastic pot with one large drainage hole at the bottom with its Moss, or should I repot in another container with different media? Do I need to let it almost dry befores watering or at that size it needs constant humidity?

It's almost impossible to over-water Ctsm when they are actively growing. They need a LOT of water, very bright light, and heavy fert to support the rapid growth.

If the sphag is in good shape then you could just leave it for awhile if you want. Or, repot it into something else, if you're prefer. Either would be fine. I've been known to leave my SVO plants in the arrival pots for awhile.

Manu · #9 03-20-2016, 08:44 AM

Thanks Katrina! I have watered and fertilized this morning. It's is semi direct morning sun for the next few days and will bring it to my office sometime next week where it will get semi shaded all day sun in a bay window!

Is a night time temperature drop good, ok or bad for this guy? Would it be better to keep that small thing at a constant warm temperature?

katrina · #10 03-20-2016, 09:12 AM

How low at night? It's going to grow faster at warmer temps but it doesn't need super warm to be ok. They do grow faster in the warmer end of intermediate to hot temps though.

A constantly warm temp will help support growth but it's not necessary. In nature there is a natural difference between day and night and as long as the night time temp doesn't get too cold, the plants do great.

My space (this time of the year) can go as low as 58 at night and as high as 80 during the day. All my Ctsm grow very well. Even my compots this past winter.